Indian Motorcycle Has New Owners
I
ndian Motorcycle announced
that Carolwood LP has officially
closed its agreement with Polaris
to acquire the motorcycle busi-
ness. The deal's closure marks
the beginning of a new era for the
iconic American brand as a fully
independent business focused
solely on motorcycles.
Under the leadership of new CEO
and motorcycle-industry veteran
Mike Kennedy, Indian Motorcycle
says it is embarking on its next
chapter as a stand-alone company,
"intent on building upon the brand's
significant momentum and elevat-
ing it to an even higher level of
global relevance and success."
2026 marks the 125th anniver-
sary of Indian Motorcycle.
Kennedy and Carolwood say
they are committed to a long-term
strategy centered on delivering
an even better ownership experi-
ence for riders and stronger, more
focused support for the dealer
network. This means concentrat-
ing investment in the motorcycles,
technologies, and experiences
riders value most.
"We will achieve our vision
through a deeper level of dif-
ferentiation, leaning in on what
makes our brand unique, and with
products that possess a style,
craftsmanship and performance
quality that is uniquely justified
by our historic legacy and spirit of
innovation," said Kennedy, CEO for
the Indian Motorcycle Company.
"It's an incredible honor to take
the helm of Indian Motorcycle as
it celebrates its 125th anniver-
sary, empowered by a sense of
gratitude and opportunity, and
the support and ambition of a
well-resourced, highly motivated
ownership team. 2026 will be a
special year to honor our history,
but more importantly, to drive
the brand into the future with a
renewed level of commitment,
focus and clarity that can only be
found as a stand-alone company.
"Dealers are our most impor-
tant partners, and we will judge
our business based on the suc-
cess of our dealers. We intend to
be extremely collaborative with
our dealers, actively listening to
their feedback and incorporating
it into our planning and decision-
making, not only in terms of
dealer operations, but also prod-
uct development and marketing."
The finalized acquisition agree-
ment includes approximately
900 employees that now transi-
tion to become part of the new
Indian Motorcycle Company.
Indian Motorcycle will base all
manufacturing at the company's
existing facilities in Spirit Lake,
Iowa, and Monticello, Minnesota,
while continuing industrial design,
technology, and product develop-
ment at its existing research and
development centers in Burgdorf,
Switzerland, and Wyoming, Min-
nesota. Indian says sales, service
and support for Indian Motor-
cycle dealers and customers will
continue "seamlessly under new
ownership and leadership."
"America's first motorcycle
company will put America first,"
said Kennedy. "Our brand and
business will be grounded in
our American identity and, more
importantly, American manufac-
turing. 'Built in America' is not a
slogan. It's a competitive advan-
tage, and we intend to use it."
CN
VOLUME ISSUE FEBRUARY , P31
Carolwood LP has officially
assumed ownership control of
Indian Motorcycle.
